To leave a legacy and make an impact is something most people strive for all their lives.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) President, Poul-Erik Hoyer is a sportsman that transcends the sport of badminton and his influence and impact should not be underestimated.
The change that has been seen during his term as the President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is vast and a celebration hosted by Badminton England at the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships earlier this month highlighted just how adored he is by the entire badminton family.
Born in Denmark on 20th September 1965, Poul-Erik went on to become one of the most successful Danish badminton players in history.
The three-time European champion, with titles in 1992, 1994 and 1996, led the way in putting Europe on the global badminton scene with Danes such as the reigning Olympic gold medallist Viktor Axelsen continuing to fly that flag at the very highest level.
Poul-Erik first competed at the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 – the year badminton made its Olympic debut – reaching the quarter-finals and paving the way for more Danish success in the years to follow.
Then came his first All England title in the men’s singles in 1995 – an accomplishment so coveted, the tournament remains the pinnacle for all players.
He went on to win the title once more the following year in 1996.
It was during this year too that he achieved possibly his greatest accolade, winning Olympic gold in Atlanta.
Defeating China’s Dong Jiong in the final, Poul-Erik became the first European male player to win an Olympic badminton singles gold medal.
The following year, Poul-Erik called time on his competitive badminton career, but remained rooted in the world of badminton.
In 2007, he became the President of Badminton Denmark before being elected President of the BWF in 2013.
Under his leadership, the sport continues to grow worldwide, with increased viewership, sponsorship as well as new tournament structures.
Badminton England CEO, Sue Storey, said: “Many years ago, when we were at the YONEX All England Open at Wembley – and Poul-Erik Hoyer won his first All England Championships.
“He has given his life to the sport of badminton. It was great to be able to offer our love and our thanks to him for the wonderful work that he has done at the celebration event we held in Birmingham during this year’s YONEX All England Championships earlier this month.
“The sport of badminton has moved on significantly during his tenure as President and I can’t wait to see where this is going to go in the future.
“Poul-Erik set the foundations and we’re just going to grow and grow from what he has done.”
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Author: Mark Bradley
